It has been linked to cancer and banned for 26 years across Europe, but the smokeless tobacco ‘snus’ appears to be more prevalent than ever in sport.

Those who are aware of the potential health risks involved are strongly concerned by the growing trend among footballers to see the stimulant as a substitute or something to take alongside caffeine.

An increasing number of young players in the Premier League and below are reportedly using the product in the belief it provides a mental and physical boost.

What is it?

Many believe the use of smokeless tobacco provides a mental and physical boost (Getty Images)

Snus – also known as snuff – is a pouched powder tobacco which is placed in the mouth, usually sitting underneath the top lip. One 11.7g tin contains 18 portions, with each providing 27.3 mg of nicotine, compared to 10mg from a cigarette.

Why is it in the news?

The Daily Mail found a pouch of the smokeless tobacco lying in the Leicester City dugout at the King Power Stadium alongside used energy drinks bottles.

The newspaper’s investigation unearths the measures some clubs are putting in place in a bid to prevent their players from using the banned substance with players at one club said to be fined £10,000 if found in possession.

One key finding is that other managers have openly admitted to not standing in the way of players using the pouches during matches, with an unnamed Championship boss revealing it has been used as an appetite suppressant.

Furthermore, a League One manager claimed some of his substitutes would get through two or three portions in a game, while another more concerning discovery is that one professional has undergone treatment for gum cancer after frequent use.

Why are footballers using it?

It has yet to be scientifically proven that the use of nicotine pouches improve sporting performance, and Dr Toby Mundel – a lecturer at Massey University in New Zealand – has called for greater research into whether footballers who use the substance are gaining an unfair advantage.

The perceived increase in alertness and concentration is appears to be something that is attracting elite athletes.

But there are growing concerns that footballers are taking the tea-bag style pouches without being fully aware of the risks involved.

Sports scientists have labelled it a fad, and despite it being linked to cancer, the tins can still be easily purchased on the internet.

Which players use and have endorsed snus?

While there is no suggestion of wrong-doing, Newcastle defender Jamaal Lascelles and Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are two Premier League footballers who follow social media accounts where ‘snus’ can be sourced.

Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof posted a picture of the substance on his Instagram account in 2016.

Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof pictured with a tin of snus in 2016 (Instagram: victorlindelof)

Jamie Vardy was pictured holding a tin of Thunder Ultra during Euro 2016 with the England striker quoted in his autobiography saying: “When I joined Leicester I started using snus, which are nicotine patches that you place against your gums for 10 minutes or so.

“I used to have the odd fag on a night out at Fleetwood, but one of the lads introduced me to snus when I signed for Leicester and I found they helped me chill out. A lot more footballers use them than people realise, and some lads even play with them during matches.”

Is it illegal to have in the UK?

The sale of the Swedish-made drug is currently banned in the UK, but it is not illegal to possess or use it. It is thought that the influx of Scandinavian players in English football accelerated the use of the substance. One pot of extremely strong snus can be purchased on eBay for as little as £7.75.

The sale of the moist powder tobacco is illegal across the EU – but a recent study found that more people are using snus than cigarettes for their fix of nicotine in Norway, a non-EU member.

Jamie Vardy’s penchant for snus was first revealed in May 2016 when pictured with the substance (Getty Images)

What are authorities doing about it?

During Euro 2016, Vardy claimed he had been given the all-clear to use the nicotine pouches in order to prepare for matches. He was pictured holding a can of Red Bull and a tin of snus during the tournament.

Speaking of how England’s medical staff viewed the powdered chewing tobacco, he said: “They are fine. There’s nothing wrong with them. They are more than happy I’m on them.”

Vardy, who scored that summer in the 2-1 win over Wales, added: “The nicotine pouch is not something I need regularly. It’s just something I needed at the time.”

Health experts have questioned the cocktail of nicotine and caffeine with both stimulants on the World Anti-Doping Agency monitoring list.

The FA have previously stated that Vardy and those who choose to use it are on the right side of the current anti-doping regulations, but they are monitoring WADA’s position while reminding players of the dangers involved in drug use.

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